Former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and his wife, Kobita Raouf Gulbul, were arrested Sunday in a sweeping money laundering investigation, their lawyer confirmed.
Authorities seized approximately 114 million Mauritian rupees ($2.4 million) in cash along with luxury watches, including five Cartier timepieces, during extensive searches.
The Financial Crimes Commission, leading the probe, reported discovering three suitcases and a bag filled with both local and foreign currency.
Opposition leaders have reacted strongly to the arrest, calling for transparency and judicial accountability in handling the high-profile case.
Roshi Bhadain, leader of the Reform Party, described the situation as a crucial test for the integrity of Mauritius’ legal system.
Jugnauth, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2024, has previously faced legal scrutiny in connection with the MedPoint Affair.
The 2011 corruption scandal involved allegations of government funds being used to purchase a private hospital at an inflated price.
Though Jugnauth was arrested in the MedPoint case, he was later acquitted, escaping legal consequences at the time.
The Financial Crimes Commission has yet to disclose specific charges against him, and the government has not released an official statement.
As the case unfolds, the nation watches closely, awaiting answers in one of Mauritius’ most significant political scandals in recent years.
